Intro： The Eight Great Sights of Yanjing are places of historic interest and scenic beauty in and around Beijing. Each of them has a name in which their particular qualities are summarized in lyrical four character phrases. They translate roughly into: "Autumn Winds on Taiye"; "Jade Islet in a Spring Shade"; " Leaping Jade Spring"; "The Western Hills Shimmering in Snow"; "Trees Enveloped in Mist at the Ancient City of Jizhou"; "The Golden Terrace in the Glow of the Setting Sun"; "The Fading Moon over Marco Polo Bridge"; "The Great Wall and Lush Greenery at Juyong Pass"; They are introduced individually below.

Autumn Winds on Taiye

On the eastern shore of Zhongnanhai (formerly called Taiye Pond) next to the Wanshan Gate is a water port, and out on the water is the picturesque “Shuiyun Pavilion”. The open-air pavilion stands on an island in the lake amidst the loveliest surroundings: bright white clouds are reflected on the water; the pavilion rests on the lake like a lotus blossom.

A stone tablet in the Pavilion of Clouds on the Water (Shuiyunxie) in Zhonghai Lake bears an inscription in the handwriting of Emperor Qianlong, which permanently records the name of the site as Taiye, one of the Eight Yanjing Sights.

Looking out from the pavilion to the north is the Beihai Bridge, with the White Qiongdao Pagoda perched on top; to the south across the waters you can see the beautiful area of Yantai; to the east is Wanshan Temple, along with many other temples; the western shore is shaded by the magnificent Ziguangge hall; the blue waters stretch into the distance while lotus flowers float on the lake’s rippling surface.

This Taiye setting is lyrically described in the poem The Pavilion of Clouds on the Water in Early Autumn by the Qing poet Zhu Yizun: "In the blazing heat of autumn, a cool breeze at noon stirs the air. The lotus leaves bob in the ripples and sweet pea flowers bloom after fresh rains. The bridge casts gentle shadows in the clear cool river. In the evening light, the mountains take on added beauty as blue and gold reflections from the palace swell in the water's surface."

Take advantage of a romantic fall day to enjoy the lovely views of Taiye. It’s a pleasure you won’t soon forget.